Gordon E. Darnell

Gordon E. Darnell, 68, Riggles Gap, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2019, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Altoona, son of the late Richard and Jeni A. (McCaleb) Darnell. He married Kimberly A. Rudasill at the Fourth Lutheran Church by the Rev. Emil Engleman.

Surviving are his loving wife, Kimberly; a daughter, Marissa Thompson (Christopher) of Altoona; two sons: Gordon H. (Debra) of Altoona and Joshua R. (Karma) of Hollidaysburg; four grandchildren: Amelia and Lucas Darnell and Maura and Lydia Thompson; a brother, Richard Darnell (Deborah); a brother-in-law, Glenn Rudasill (Eleanor) and a sister-in-law, Donna Rudasill.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Gail Barree; a brother-in-law, Howard Rudasill; a niece, Julie Biddle; and a nephew, Scott Rudasill.

Gordon was an Altoona Area High School graduate and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a combat veteran in Vietnam from 1969-70. He retired from Norfolk Southern with 32 years of service.

Gordon loved to travel and go to the beach, but more than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Axe and Santella Family Chapel, 1534 Fourth St., Altoona, where a funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. by pastors Matthew Hornberger and Jon Neely with full military honors to follow. Interment will be at Alto-Reste Park Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Leslie E. Axe Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations in Gordon’s memory be made to: Sister Paula DelGrosso’s St. Vincent de Paul Food for Families, 2201 Union Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 or to Fourth Street Church of God, 2010 Fourth St., Altoona, PA 16601.

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